Goodwood House - © Colin Smith
Goodwood House is located within the Goodwood Estate in Chichester, West Sussex, one of the most famous sporting estates in the world. The house is filled with the glamour associated with wonderful examples of an English country house. It is still a family home, the Earl and Countess of March live here and the house is famous for housing one of the finest private art collections in the UK. The opulence is shown most vividly in the State Apartments that are full of regency splendour. Visitors to the house have plenty to see and do here with the world renowned race course close by, a hotel, local farms and a golf course to name but a few.
Attractions
Goodwood House is located within the famous sporting estate makes it a sought after venue and tourist attraction. The house is located a few miles from the town of Chichester in West Sussex, the estate offers some wonderful scenery for visitors to enjoy. The house itself is regarded as being unusual from an architectural perspective. The original purpose was for a gentleman's residence and was bought by 1st Duke of Richmond back in 1697.
The Old House referring to the original house is currently the section at the back of the house. During the 18th century the house was developed adding the main hall and the south wing. The State Apartments were added to the south wing of the house in 1800 along with the round towers. The towers and the wings are made of flint, which marks out the house as being unusual given flint is not usually associated with a house of this size and magnitude. The flint ensures the house looks its best in the early morning or evening light.
The new large rooms were built to cater for entertaining and are still used for this purpose currently. Contained within the rooms is the earlier art collection that was collected from the late 17th century and the 18th century.
The House has been subject to a refurbishment programme by the Earl and Countess of March, the aim was to ensure the house was modernised with a modern sense of Regency shown with bold colours, fabrics and curtains used in the rooms.
The Goodwood Estate provides visitors with a range of activities and events, among the most famous is horseracing at the nearby racecourse, motor sports events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and a range of others.
The State Apartments were designed in the late 18th century by James Wyatt, the rooms are the most ornate, ostentatious and spectacular in the house and provide an imposing venue for a social gathering or business venue. Located with the rooms are some paintings from one of the finest private art collections in the UK, works by Van Dyck, Reynolds, Canaletto and many others adorn the walls here. The decoration is ornate and the rooms provide a fittingly special atmosphere and surroundings to special occasions.
How to Get There
The house can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
The site is located approx 60 miles from London and 30 miles from Southampton and Brighton. If you are travelling from London, take the A3 until the Milford roundabout and then take the A286 via Haslemere and Midhurst. Drive through Singleton village then take the left turn over Downs past Goodwood Racecourse then follow the brown tourist board signs for the House.
From Brighton and Southampton take the A27 to Chichester, from there follow the brown tourist board signs to the House.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is PO18 0PX.
By Train:
From London Victoria Station in central London trains are available to Chichester Station located a few miles from Goodwood. From the station taxis can be used to get to the house. There are bus shuttle services to the estate from Chichester station on race days.
By Bus:
There are various local bus services that service the area. There is a shuttle bus that runs on race days from Chichester Station to the estate.
Contact Details
Goodwood House
Goodwood
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0PX
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755000
Fax: +44 (0)1243 755005
Website: Goodwood
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
From late March until second week of October:
Open from 13.00 to 17.00 (on most Sundays & Mondays)
Open from 13.00 to 17.00 (for August open Sunday to Thursday)
There are guided tours available, they last approx one hour or 90 minutes for the extended tours.
NOTE: Timings are subject to change, visitors advised to always check first before going.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Adults: £9.00 approx, Children: £4.00 approx (Under 12s Free Entry), Concessions £7.50 approx & Family Ticket: £15.00 approx.
Facilities:
The House tea room offers visitors a range of cream teas and cakes. Bookings should be made for afternoon tea given space is limited.
There are a number of pubs on the Goodwood Estate and at the nearby Goodwood Hotel and Aero Club Cafe, here visitors can get refreshments and lunches.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Goodwood House Map
Tips & Other Considerations
The opening hours for the house do have some variations depending on the time of year and other factors such as race day events. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.
Always remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times. Ensure valuables such as your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Goodwood in West Sussex, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Check traffic news & information for the latest road news.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
